Member Spotlight

Institution: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Medical School: National Research University "Belgorod State University"

Residency: University of Toledo, Ohio

Fellowship Training Institution: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

What opportunities and experiences influenced your career path?

 I always wanted to be a medical doctor. I don't remember how I made this decision, but I do remember that in my early childhood, my aunt gifted me a doctor doll with a thermometer and a stethoscope in its pocket. During my summer vacations, I used to travel to my grandparents' village and always found someone who needed medical help. One day, I saved a stork that had fallen out of its nest and broken its wings. Though it could no longer fly, we saved its life, and it lived with the chickens thereafter. The internal happiness from helping people and animals is a strong and fulfilling feeling. 

I studied diligently and graduated from high school with a Gold Medal, and later received a Red Diploma from medical school. Working as a volunteer and taking additional calls in the OB/GYN department during medical school helped solidify my decision to become an Obstetrician and Gynecologist. I devoted the next few years to serving women's health at a busy regional hospital, where I worked in the department of high-risk pregnancy. During this time, I developed a deep appreciation for the mastery and mystery involved in the complex care of pregnant women with various maternal and/or fetal complications. This experience revealed the intricate nature of diseases during pregnancy and emphasized the unique challenge of caring for two patients simultaneously.

Relocating to the USA was an exciting and challenging time in my professional life, opening new horizons for me to become a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist.

Can you cite any particular instance(s) or individuals that influenced your career choices?

My dad, who supported my passion for becoming a medical doctor, and my mom, who supported my decision to specialize in OB/GYN, were instrumental in shaping my career. My parents prioritized my education, and my dad, an exceptional role model, demonstrated outstanding discipline in achieving his educational goals. His unwavering support and belief in my success were crucial to my accomplishments. 

My husband supported me throughout my second OB/GYN residency after we relocated to the USA and followed me during my MFM Fellowship. 

My son, a curious 7-year-old boy, always checks to see if I have completed my daily readings.

What has been one of your biggest professional accomplishments?

My biggest professional accomplishment is learning how to step out of my comfort zone to advance my knowledge and skills to a fundamentally new level, and how to persevere and believe in myself while pursuing my dream. I was brave enough to resign from my well-established position as a high-risk OB/GYN at a large regional hospital in Russia, leaving behind my family, friends, and patients to relocate to the United States. Starting over was not easy; it involved passing the required examinations (ECFMG), matching into a second OB/GYN residency, and continually growing and advancing my knowledge to prepare for the next step—the MFM fellowship. Moreover, all my exams were conducted in a language that was foreign to me. While pursuing my dream, I also completed my PhD training and have published several meaningful articles. 

Zarudskaya O, Levy A, Cross C. Gabapentin for Peri-Operative Pain Relief in Office Gynecological Surgery: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Gynecology and Obstetrics, North America, 9, dec. 2020. Available at: . Date accessed: 28 Jul. 2024.

Zoorob D, Zarudskaya O, Van Hook J, Moussa HN. Maternal morbidity associated with skin incision type at cesarean delivery in obese patients: a systematic review. Future Sci OA. 2020 Dec 18;7(3):FSO669. doi: 10.2144/fsoa-2020-0160. PMID: 33552545; PMCID: PMC7850001.

Predictive Value and Limitations of the Placenta Accreta Index. A Systematic Review. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. Oxana M. Zarudskaya MD, PhD, Angela R. Boyd MD, PhD, John J. Byrne MD, MPH, Michael D. Berkus MD, Patrick S. Ramsey MD, MSPH First published: 18 June 2024 https://doi.org/10.1002/jum.16509

While engaging in all the above activities, I also became the mother of a wonderful and supportive son.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and what advice can you offer?

I have faced many challenges! Relocating, being away from family and friends, meeting new people (which was both exciting and challenging), starting to speak a foreign language, going back to studying and taking exams, prioritizing one thing over another, and trying to achieve balance (does it even exist? Lol). There were moments filled with hesitation, uncertainty, fear, sadness, and frustration along the way. I encountered both demotivating and inspirational people. There were times when it was hard to navigate my path. But the best advice I can offer is to BELIEVE in yourself and continue to follow your dream. Do not give up and surround yourself only with kind, inspirational-minded people. Being around positive, successful people and mentors is a major part of your success. And always remember that success isn't just about luck; it's about hard work that prepares you to seize the right moment when luck arrives. So, be ready for it!

Can you share an ah-ha moment or experience that has impacted your career trajectory?

Matching into the MFM Fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio was a significant 'ah-ha' moment. It was incredibly exciting to realize that my dream was finally coming true after all my hard work! I was incredibly happy that my future colleagues recognized my potential and believed in me!

Was there a mentor(s) and/or a patient who inspired you?

I have always been blessed with outstanding mentors throughout my career. In Russia, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Birukova, a high-risk OB/GYN who taught me to practice evidence-based medicine and emphasized, 'never simplify,' but rather do what needs to be done in the patient's best interest. Another mentor, Dr. Churnosov, my PhD mentor, demonstrated the importance of research in clinical medicine. During my residency, Dr. Khurshid, Dr. Van Hook, and Dr. Moussa, a group of kind and supportive MFM specialists, helped guide my path into the MFM specialty. I could not have succeeded without their support. And of course, Dr. Zoorob, my residency program director, was extremely inspirational and led by example. 

There are nothing but amazing things to say about my current MFM fellowship colleagues and friends. My heart is whole when I think about how much I have been taught, supported, and believed in! Dr. Ramsey, my fellowship program director, is the kindest, most inspiring, and motivating mentor in my career. With his guidance and leadership, I was able to become an SMFM mini-sabbatical Garite grant recipient, receive the GOHO US Fellowship grant, and participate and present my research at local, national, and international conferences. Dr. Ramsey is an exceptional role model for me, not only in professional growth but in everyday life as well. 

Dr. Abuhamad, Dr. Sinkovskaya, and Dr. Abu-Rustum are exceptional and dear mentors in fetal imaging, fetal cardiology, and first-trimester ultrasound. They have taught and supported me extensively in my professional development. 
Most importantly, my mentors taught me how to be a human and a physician. They are the role models I aspire to be.

Tell us about one of your most memorable patient encounters

Caring for a pregnant woman after a rescue cerclage and later delivering a near-term baby. 
Caring for a patient with a significant cardiac anomaly, delivering her child, and experiencing her loss post-partum due to cardiac condition decompensation. Connecting with the family through the delivered infant and receiving annual birthday cards from them, commemorating the new and lost life that connects us.

What has SMFM meant to you, both professionally and personally?

SMFM is a unique society and a platform for collaboration among professionals, improving patient care, education, research, advancing knowledge, and much more. I am extremely excited about Global SMFM now! Collaborating and learning from the leaders in MFM are very inspirational and motivational for my career development. 

For me, it represents a wonderful opportunity to express my gratitude to Dr. Thomas Garite and the SMFM Foundation for the incredible chance to follow my dream and learn fetal ECHO from the best in the field, Dr. Abuhamad and Dr. Sinkovskay. This would not have been possible without the support of SMFM.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

Reading: Suzanne Koven, “Letter to a Young Female Physician”.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Here and now. Every day, I am learning and mastering the art of living and enjoying the life I lead. I am also working on becoming someone people enjoy living with and interacting with.

What is a recent movie or show you enjoyed?

Terminator 1, 2, 3… isn’t it funny? This is what it means to be a boy’s mom. And I hate anything with guns... and I can never stay up until the end of the movie. But that is the story of my life now: to enjoy what your son enjoys.

If you had to live one day in your life over and over (think 1993 film Groundhog Day), which day...

Any day surrounded by my family and friends. I genuinely enjoy any "Groundhog Day" with my family, no matter what we do. Even doing nothing, just being surrounded by them, makes me extremely happy, and I could do it repeatedly.